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Bed bugs typically will not go away on their own. If there are no humans or animals around, they will need to leave to find a host for feeding. But otherwise, bed bugs can live for several months to a year, and the adult females can lay hundreds more eggs in their lifetime. An infestation is only likely to get worse without hiring an exterminator.

Scarecrows and lifelike animal decoys, such as snakes, owls, coyotes, foxes, and hawks, can initially deter rabbits. However, these tactics might lose effectiveness if rabbits learn they are harmless. Having your dog or cat roam and mark the yard with their scent can also prove beneficial. Keep in mind tactics like these work best when combined with other methods.

To determine if you have a rat or mouse infestation, look for several key differences. The most obvious is the size of the rodent: rats are significantly larger with thicker bodies, while mice are much smaller and more slender. You can also identify them by their droppings; rat droppings are larger and rounder, about the size of a raisin, while mouse droppings are smaller, like a grain of rice, and often have pointed ends. Other signs include the sounds they make, as rats produce louder scratching and gnawing noises due to their size. Behaviorally, rats tend to be more cautious, whereas mice are more curious and might be seen more often. Additionally, rat nests are typically larger than those of mice. If you are unable to see the pest or find clear evidence, a professional inspection can provide a definitive identification.

The right snake trap depends on your needs and the species of snake. Glue traps are the easiest to handle but are inhumane and may catch and kill other animals, like squirrels, birds, and mice. Cage traps catch snakes alive so they can be released elsewhere. Minnow traps are the best choice for water snakes.